The Trojans closed the 2016-17 season 10-3, having won the final nine games of the year, including a frenetic thrill ride of a Rose Bowl over Penn State, 52-49. Leading the way for USC is Heisman front-runner Sam Darnold, who finished the season 31 touchdowns and 3,086 yards to just 9 interceptions.

The Trojans will kick off their season with a three-game home stand, against Western Michigan, Stanford and Texas, before traveling Cal and Washington State.